With colorful balloons throughout the Omni Dallas Hotel ballroom, the 25th Pot of Gold Luncheon was a rainbow of colors and rightly so, since it was benefiting Rainbow Days on Friday, April 29. The occasion not only celebrated the 25th anniversary of the luncheon but also the Rainbow Days’ 40th year of “helping children and youth-in-adversity build coping skills and resilience to create positive futures.” Here’s a report from the field:
Rainbow Days hosted its 25th Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel on Friday, April 29. This year’s luncheon also celebrated Rainbow Days’ 40th anniversary. Nearly 500 supporters and guests gathered to raise a net total of $257,775 for Rainbow Days.
The Pot of Gold Luncheon was a cheerful and celebratory fundraising event benefiting Rainbow Days’ mission and services. The luncheon featured an inspiring keynote speaker, a special performance from the Rainbow Days children, moving program testimonials and silent auction bidding.
The keynote address was given by Caylin Louis Moore, celebrated author and inspirational speaker who shared his personal story of overcoming adversity and his efforts to leave the world better than he found it. His against-all-odds journey from the cruel poverty of a gang-ridden Los Angeles community to becoming a Rhodes Scholar is detailed in his acclaimed book, “A Dream Too Big: The Story of an Improbable Journey from Compton to Oxford.” He also stayed after the luncheon to sign books and take photos with guests.
In addition to a keynote address, this year’s luncheon featured Rainbow Days Founder Cathey Brown, sharing how the core of Rainbow Days’ mission, teaching children to be resilient and adapt to their circumstances is even more relevant today than it was when the organization started in 1982. She also shared how resilient Rainbow Days has been through the decades, adapting to the changing circumstances and needs of the children served.
In commemoration of Rainbow Days 40th Anniversary, CEO Tiffany Beaudine announced the launch of a special Ring of Honor to recognize remarkable individuals and organizations who have demonstrated long-standing support of Rainbow Days. In this inaugural year, ten recipients were inducted into the Rainbow Days Ring of Honor and recognized for decades of faithful service, generous donations or extraordinary partnerships. The 2022 inductees are: Nancy Ann Hunt, Jill and Dale Hurd, Joy and Roger Beless, Karen Williams, Wade Brown, Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, Citi and Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Dallas and Richardson Independent School Districts.
This year’s event was made possible through the hard work, time and resources of the 2022 Pot of Gold Luncheon Committee members. Event leadership included Luncheon Chairs Jennifer Bishop and Marisa O’Sullivan and Auction Co-Chairs Melissa Griffith and Tiffany Westerman. Special thanks are also in order to the Lone Star Monarchs and its Founders Regina Bruce and Dr. Carla Russo for hosting the 2022 Pot of Gold Patron Party.
Rainbow Days would also like to recognize the many sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make the 2022 Pot of Gold Luncheon a tremendous success. Featured here are sponsor levels “I Am” and above:
- Title: Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt
- I Will: Greenberg Traurig, Miramar Equity Partners and The Invitation Project
- I Can: Katie and Netesh Anand, The Anderson Family, Citi, Jill and Dale Hurd, Alyssa and Kurt Opella and Thompson Coburn LLP
- I Am: Jennifer and Jody Bishop, Bragalone Olejko Saad PC, Jennifer Ecklund, Phyllis and John Horan, Mary Jo and James McKellar, National Life Group, Telisa Schelin and Rebecca Massiatte, Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Weaver and Nicole Williams and Chris George
* Photo: credit Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio ** Photo credit: Danny Campbell